Actions speak louder than words
Idiom
People's intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say.
Example
He promised to help, but actions speak louder than words.
CEFR idiom glossary
B1 Idioms & Expressions
Common everyday idioms with more obvious imagery and easier figurative jumps.
After the watershed
Idiom
A time when after which programs for older audiences may be aired on TV.
Example
That series is only shown after the watershed.
All ears
Idiom
Awaiting an explanation.
Example
I am all ears if you want to explain what happened.
An arm and a leg
Idiom
Very expensive or costly. A large amount of money.
Example
That designer bag costs an arm and a leg.
Around the clock
Idiom
At any time of the day or night
Example
Nurses cared for the patients around the clock.
As time goes by
Idiom
The passing of one moment to the next.
Example
As time goes by, old memories often feel sweeter.
Back to the drawing board
Idiom
When an attempt fails and it's time to start all over.
Example
When the first design failed, we had to go back to the drawing board.
Ball is in your court
Idiom
It is up to you to make the next decision or take the next step.
Example
I have made my offer, so now the ball is in your court.
Barking up the wrong tree
Idiom
Looking in the wrong place. Accusing the wrong person.
Example
If you think I broke the vase, you are barking up the wrong tree.
Be glad to see the back of
Idiom
Be happy when a person leaves.
Example
We will be glad to see the back of this terrible weather.
Beat around the bush
Idiom
Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.
Example
Stop beating around the bush and answer the question.
Beat the clock
Idiom
Do something quickly before it's too late.
Example
We beat the clock and submitted the forms just before five.
Bee in one's bonnet
Idiom
Carrying an idea that's constantly in your thoughts.
Example
He has a bee in his bonnet about fixing the town clock.
Behind the times
Idiom
Being old-fashioned.
Example
My grandfather still uses a flip phone, so everyone says he is behind the times.
Bells and whistles
Idiom
Lots of desirable features.
Example
The new car has all the bells and whistles, including heated seats and a camera.
Best of both worlds
Idiom
Enjoying the advantage of two things simultaneously.
Example
Working from home two days a week gives her the best of both worlds.
Best thing since sliced bread
Idiom
A good invention or innovation. A good idea or plan.
Example
My dad thinks the new coffee machine is the best thing since sliced bread.
Better late than never
Idiom
It is better to do something late than not at all.
Example
You finally started saving for retirement, and better late than never.
Bite off more than you can chew
Idiom
To take on a task that is way too big.
Example
He bit off more than he could chew when he accepted three projects at once.
Black and white
Idiom
Take everything into consideration and over simply. Judge everything good or bad.
Example
The problem is not as black and white as it seems.
Black sheep
Idiom
Undesirable member of a group.
Example
Ever since he quit the family business, he has been the black sheep of the family.
Blacklist
Idiom
Exclude someone.
Example
That company blacklisted the supplier after the fraud case.
Blackmail
Idiom
Extort or take money from someone by threatening to use their secrets against them.
Example
He tried to blackmail his former boss with private emails.
Blessing in disguise
Idiom
Something good that isn't recognized as such at first.
Example
Missing that train turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it later broke down.
Blood, sweat & tears
Idiom
Something that requires a lot of effort and hard work.
Example
They built the business with blood, sweat, and tears.
Blow a fuse
Idiom
Suddenly get very angry, perhaps over something unexpected.
Example
Dad will blow a fuse when he sees the dent in the car.
Blue in the face
Idiom
Try hard to win an agreement but usually unsuccessful.
Example
You can argue until you are blue in the face, but she will not change her mind.
Bolt from the blue
Idiom
Unexpected bad news.
Example
The resignation came as a bolt from the blue.
Bookworm
Idiom
Someone who reads a lot.
Example
My sister is such a bookworm that she reads through lunch.
Brainstorm
Idiom
Develop or think of new ideas.
Example
Let's brainstorm a few ideas before the meeting starts.
Bring home the bacon
Idiom
Earn a living.
Example
He works two jobs to bring home the bacon.
Bun in the oven
Idiom
Pregnant.
Example
They announced there is a bun in the oven.
Burn the midnight oil
Idiom
To work late into the night, alluding to the time before electric lighting.
Example
She burned the midnight oil to finish her thesis.
By the skin of your teeth
Idiom
Only just succeed.
Example
He caught the train by the skin of his teeth.
Call it a day (or night)
Idiom
Stop doing something for a while or until the next day (or night).
Example
We finished the last section and decided to call it a day.
Carry the torch for
Idiom
Having string feelings for someone who cannot be yours.
Example
He still carries the torch for his college girlfriend.
Catch someone at a bad time
Idiom
When it is inconvenient.
Example
Sorry, did I catch you at a bad time?
Catch someone red-handed
Idiom
Catch someone in the act of committing a crime or doing something they shouldn't.
Example
The guard caught the thief red-handed.
Chase rainbows
Idiom
Try to achieve something that is very difficult, impossible or very desirable.
Example
If you expect instant fame, you are chasing rainbows.
Clock-in/clock-out
Idiom
Record the time of arrival and the time of departure.
Example
Factory workers have to clock in and clock out every day.
Cold shoulder
Idiom
Pay no attention to.
Example
She gave him the cold shoulder after the argument.
Cook someone's goose
Idiom
Spoil the person's chance of success.
Example
Losing that client could cook our goose.
Costs an arm and a leg
Idiom
When something is very expensive.
Example
A house in that neighborhood costs an arm and a leg.
Couch potato
Idiom
Lazy person who watches too much TV.
Example
He turned into a couch potato over the long weekend.
Cover a lot of ground
Idiom
Complete a lot of work or a wide range of things.
Example
We covered a lot of ground in today’s meeting.
Crack of dawn
Idiom
Very early in the morning. The first moments of sunrise.
Example
We left at the crack of dawn to avoid traffic.
Cry over spilt milk
Idiom
Complain about a loss from the past.
Example
There is no use crying over spilt milk now.
Curiosity killed the cat
Idiom
Being Inquisitive can lead you into an unpleasant or dangerous situation.
Example
Do not open that box just to peek inside; curiosity killed the cat.
Cut one's own throat
Idiom
Doing something that will cause your own failure or downfall.
Example
If you lie to your customers, you will cut your own throat.
Day to day
Idiom
Part of a usual routine.
Example
She handles the day-to-day work in the office.
Days are numbered
Idiom
Expected to be in a role or to die soon.
Example
With sales dropping so fast, the store’s days are numbered.
Dead in the water
Idiom
Plan or project that has ceased to function and is not expected to re-activate.
Example
Without funding, the project is dead in the water.
Deep down
Idiom
Describing what a person really feels deep inside them
Example
Deep down, he knew he owed her an apology.
Do time (serve time)
Idiom
Spend time in prison.
Example
He did time for robbery in his twenties.
Don't give up the day job
Idiom
You are not very good at something. You could definitely not do it professionally.
Example
Your singing was fun, but do not give up the day job.
Donkey's years
Idiom
A very long period of time.
Example
I have not seen her in donkey’s years.
Dwell on the past
Idiom
Thinking too much about something that happened in the past.
Example
You will never move forward if you keep dwelling on the past.
Eager beaver
Idiom
Enthusiastic and hard worker.
Example
Mina is such an eager beaver that she volunteers for every task.
Easy as ABC
Idiom
Very simple or easy.
Example
Once you learn the controls, the game is easy as ABC.
Eleventh hour
Idiom
At the very last minute or just in time.
Example
They reached an agreement at the eleventh hour.
Every cloud has a silver lining
Idiom
Be optimistic, even difficult times will lead to better days. Good can come from a bad situation.
Example
Losing that job was hard, but every cloud has a silver lining.
Eye-catching
Idiom
Tending to attract attention.
Example
Her bright yellow coat was very eye-catching.
Feeling blue
Idiom
Feeling depressed or disconnected.
Example
She felt blue after her best friend moved away.
Feeling under the weather
Idiom
Feeling unwell.
Example
I am feeling under the weather, so I will stay home today.
Fill in the blanks
Idiom
Supply missing words or information.
Example
Can you fill in the blanks on this form?
First in, best dressed
Idiom
The opportunity is afforded to the first to arrive or present themselves.
Example
Get there early because first in, best dressed.
For the time being
Idiom
An action or state will continue into the future but is temporary.
Example
For the time being, we will work from home.
Full of the joys of spring
Idiom
Very happy and full of energy.
Example
She came back from vacation full of the joys of spring.
Golden handshake
Idiom
Large sum of money given to someone when they retire from a company.
Example
The CEO left with a generous golden handshake.
Golden opportunity
Idiom
A very good opportunity that may never present itself again.
Example
Studying abroad is a golden opportunity for her.
Grease someone's palm
Idiom
Give someone money in order to persuade them to do something dishonest.
Example
They tried to grease the inspector’s palm to avoid a fine.
Green thumb
Idiom
Ability to make plants grow or be good at gardening.
Example
My aunt has a real green thumb and can grow anything.
Hanging on by fingernails
Idiom
Continuing to do something in a very difficult situation.
Example
After the layoffs, the company was hanging on by its fingernails.
Head in the clouds
Idiom
Having unrealistic or impractical ideas.
Example
He always has his head in the clouds during meetings.
Head over heels in love
Idiom
Very much in love with someone.
Example
They were head over heels in love by the end of summer.
Hit the big time
Idiom
To become successful.
Example
After that movie, the actor hit the big time.
Hit the books
Idiom
Begin studying hard.
Example
I need to hit the books tonight before the exam.
Hit the panic button
Idiom
Act quickly and without thinking in reaction to an unexpected event.
Example
There is no need to hit the panic button over one mistake.
Hit the road
Idiom
Begin traveling or leave.
Example
We packed the car and hit the road before sunrise.
Hit the sack (or sheets, or hay)
Idiom
Go to bed.
Example
I am exhausted, so I am going to hit the sack.
Hold the fort
Idiom
Have responsibility for something or care about someone while others are away or out.
Example
Can you hold the fort while I go to lunch?
Honest as the day is long
Idiom
Someone that is trustworthy and honest.
Example
Everyone trusts Rosa because she is as honest as the day is long.
In one's own time
Idiom
Taking as long as you want to complete something or completing something at your own pace.
Example
You can finish the training in your own time.
In someone's black book
Idiom
Be in disgrace or disfavor with someone.
Example
After missing the deadline again, he ended up in the boss’s black book.
In the bag
Idiom
Something that is assured or a guaranteed success.
Example
With that much support, the election seems in the bag.
In the blink of an eye (or an instant)
Idiom
Something that happens very quickly.
Example
The bird disappeared in the blink of an eye.
In the interim
Idiom
Between two events or something that is temporary.
Example
The new office is not ready yet, so in the interim we will work from home.
In the long run
Idiom
Over a period of time.
Example
Saving money now will help you in the long run.
Keeping up appearances
Idiom
Maintaining an outward show of prosperity or well-being while hiding your difficulties.
Example
They were struggling financially, but they kept up appearances.
Kill time
Idiom
Do something whilst waiting.
Example
We played cards to kill time at the station.
Kill two birds with one stone
Idiom
Accomplish two different things at the same time.
Example
By cycling to work, she kills two birds with one stone by saving money and exercising.
Landslide victory
Idiom
Overwhelming victory.
Example
The party won by a landslide victory.
Learn by rote
Idiom
Learn something by memorizing it without thought to what is being learned.
Example
Students should not just learn by rote without understanding the ideas.
Let me see the color of your money
Idiom
Prove that you can afford something.
Example
Before I reserve the tickets, let me see the color of your money.
Let slip through fingers
Idiom
Failing to obtain or retain a good opportunity.
Example
They let a great opportunity slip through their fingers.
Lightning fast
Idiom
Very fast.
Example
Her reflexes are lightning fast.
Lights are on but nobody is home
Idiom
Someone is stupid or lacking intelligence.
Example
He smiled and nodded, but the lights were on and nobody was home.
Like there's no tomorrow
Idiom
Do something fast or energetic, as if it were the last opportunity to do so.
Example
The kids were dancing like there was no tomorrow.
Lining up all the ducks in a row
Idiom
Being well organized in preparation for something.
Example
Before launching the company, she spent months lining up all her ducks in a row.
Living beyond your means
Idiom
Spending more than you can afford.
Example
If you keep buying things on credit, you will be living beyond your means.
Living in an ivory tower
Idiom
Living a lifestyle that saves or isolates you from real-world issues.
Example
Critics say the minister is living in an ivory tower.
Look on the bright side
Idiom
View an unpleasant situation in a positive light.
Example
Look on the bright side; at least nobody was hurt.
Love at first sight
Idiom
Start feeling love towards someone the first time you see them.
Example
For them, it was love at first sight.
Lump in your throat
Idiom
Tight feeling in the throat because of an emotion like sadness, pride or gratitude.
Example
I had a lump in my throat during her farewell speech.
Make a long story short
Idiom
Come to the point without superfluous or unnecessary details.
Example
To make a long story short, we missed the flight.
Makes your flesh crawl
Idiom
Something that makes you feel disgusted or nervous.
Example
The sound of bones cracking makes my flesh crawl.
Making a go of it
Idiom
Attempting to succeed at something.
Example
They moved to the countryside and are making a go of it.
Method to my madness
Idiom
Despite one's approach seeming random, there actually is structure to it.
Example
Wait a minute before you judge; there is a method to my madness.
Monkey business
Idiom
Mischievous or deceitful behavior.
Example
There is no monkey business in this office.
Never in a million years
Idiom
Will never happen.
Example
I would never in a million years lend him my car.
No time like the present
Idiom
The belief it is better to do something right away instead of waiting.
Example
If you want to begin, there is no time like the present.
No time to lose
Idiom
Start something right away, otherwise it won't be finished on time.
Example
We have no time to lose if we want to catch the last bus.
Not letting grass grow under your feet
Idiom
Not delaying in getting something done.
Example
She never lets grass grow under her feet when there is work to do.
Not letting moss grow over
Idiom
Doing something now or without delay.
Example
He left school and started his own business without letting moss grow over.
Not playing with a full deck
Idiom
Lacking intelligence.
Example
Anyone who tries that stunt is not playing with a full deck.
Now or never
Idiom
Something that should be done now or it will never be done.
Example
It is now or never if you want to apply.
Old hand
Idiom
Person with a lot of experience in something.
Example
Ask Priya for help because she is an old hand at this.
On the brain
Idiom
Thinking or talking about something constantly.
Example
Wedding plans have been on her brain for weeks.
Out of the red
Idiom
No longer in debt.
Example
The shop is finally out of the red after a strong summer.
Out of time
Idiom
No time left to do something or a set time has been reached.
Example
Hurry up, we are almost out of time.
Paint the town red
Idiom
Go out and have a really good time at a party.
Example
After the final exam, the students went out to paint the town red.
Pass with flying colors
Idiom
Pass with a high score.
Example
She passed the interview with flying colors.
Piece of cake
Idiom
A job, task or other activity that is easy or simple.
Example
That puzzle was a piece of cake for Leo.
Pitch black
Idiom
Very dark with zero or almost zero visibility.
Example
It was pitch black in the cave.
Place in the sun
Idiom
A position that provides you all the success and happiness you want.
Example
After years of work, she finally found her place in the sun.
Proud as a peacock
Idiom
Very proud
Example
He walked around proud as a peacock after winning the prize.
Punch above one's weight
Idiom
Performing beyond your ability.
Example
That small company is punching above its weight in the global market.
Puppy love
Idiom
Temporary infatuation between young people.
Example
They thought it was serious, but it was only puppy love.
Put it in black and white
Idiom
Write down for confirmation or evidence.
Example
If you want my agreement, put it in black and white.
Raining cats and dogs
Idiom
Raining very heavily.
Example
We stayed inside because it was raining cats and dogs.
Raise the white flag
Idiom
Accept defeat and surrender to the other party.
Example
After hours of debate, he finally raised the white flag.
Red in the face
Idiom
Embarrassed.
Example
She turned red in the face when everyone sang to her.
Roll out the red carpet
Idiom
Greet a person with great respect and give them a big, warm welcome.
Example
The town rolled out the red carpet for the returning champion.
Sail through something
Idiom
Being successful as something without difficulty.
Example
She sailed through the exam without any trouble.
School of hard knocks
Idiom
Learning through difficult experiences, as opposed to formal, classroom education.
Example
He learned business in the school of hard knocks.
Schoolboy error
Idiom
Very basic or foolish mistake.
Example
Leaving the key in the car was a schoolboy error.
Seeing eye to eye
Idiom
Two or more people agree on something.
Example
At last, the two directors are seeing eye to eye.
Shown the red card
Idiom
Dismissed or told to leave.
Example
After insulting the referee, the player was shown the red card.
Sinking teeth into something
Idiom
Doing something with a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
Example
She could not wait to sink her teeth into the new project.
Slice of the pie
Idiom
Share of something, such as money, profits, etc.
Example
Each partner wants a bigger slice of the pie.
Smash hit
Idiom
A big success.
Example
The singer's new album was an instant smash hit.
Sour grapes
Idiom
Pretending to dislike something you cannot have.
Example
Saying the prize was boring after losing is just sour grapes.
Spanner in the works
Idiom
Suddenly disrupt something by introducing something unexpected or unwanted.
Example
The power cut threw a spanner in the works.
Standing ground
Idiom
Maintaining your position
Example
She is standing her ground even under pressure.
Steal someone's thunder
Idiom
Take the credit for something someone else did.
Example
He stole her thunder by announcing the news first.
Sweet tooth
Idiom
Liking for sweet-tasting foods.
Example
My grandfather has a terrible sweet tooth.
Take each day as it comes
Idiom
Deal with things as and when they happen.
Example
After the diagnosis, he learned to take each day as it comes.
Teacher's pet
Idiom
Teacher's favorite student.
Example
The other kids teased Ben for being the teacher’s pet.
Time for a change
Idiom
Stop what you are doing and start doing something else.
Example
After ten years in the same job, she decided it was time for a change.
Time is money
Idiom
Time is a valuable commodity. Payment is needed before doing something.
Example
Let's get started because time is money.
Time of one's life
Idiom
A time when someone is enjoying themselves.
Example
They had the time of their lives on that trip.
Too many chiefs and not enough Indians
Idiom
Too many people telling others what to do.
Example
The project stalled because there were too many chiefs and not enough Indians.
Turn back the hands of time
Idiom
Reverse something or go back to a time in the past.
Example
No one can turn back the hands of time.
University of life
Idiom
Daily life and work where you learn more than you would through formal education.
Example
He never went to college, but he graduated from the university of life.
Waiting in the wings
Idiom
Waiting for an opportunity to take action.
Example
A younger player is waiting in the wings for a chance to start.
Whitewash
Idiom
Cover up or gloss over faults.
Example
The report was a whitewash and ignored the real problems.
Works like a charm
Idiom
Works very well or as expected.
Example
This shortcut works like a charm every time.
Your guess is as good as mine
Idiom
Not knowing the answer.
Example
I have no idea why the door is locked; your guess is as good as mine.